PC-Topp.NET - The System

Advantages of Using PC-Topp Via a Web Server

The Service PC: The Heart of PC-Topp.NET The central component of PC-Topp.NET is the Service PC, an application server combining a web server that generates all PC-Topp Intranet pages, and a Windows service that allows the web server to interact with the PC-Topp database. The PC-Topp service accesses the PC-Topp database in parallel with any PC-Topp programs running on the client PCs, and presents the data structures in XML format. It also provides all functionality required to operate PC-Topp, from corrugator scheduling to conversion machine planning and all the rest of PC-Topp's many functions. Web Server Operation A Windows IIS web server that also runs on the Service PC presents the data in clearly organized pages that offer easy ways to interact with PC-Topp. Thus, users can do their work using an Internet-like environment everybody is instantly familiar with. Using a web server makes PC-Topp a real Internet application, whose use is not limited to the local area network: PC-Topp.NET works well on a WAN environment, or even across the actual Internet. Because the operational speed depends mostly on the Service PC, even slower client PCs let the user work with PC-Topp in a reasonable way. The web server and its underlying software process information proactively: Data is collected and made available by a central service, thus increasing the speed with which they can be displayed throughout the system. For example, the Plant Overview visualizes the production process practically in real time, and the Machine Load reflects the latest planning changes.

No Client Installation Required Users can log on to PC-Topp.NET using any PC on the Intranet and find their individual work space; no software installation is required on that PC. Each user gets access only to the functionality he requires - only authorized persons can modify the planning, the sales department views the planning in read-only mode. Classical PC-Topp Components While more and more PC-Topp functionality is provided in HTML pages, the migration process is not complete as yet: Certain core functions are still provided by classical components that run in a separate character mode window. Like all PC-Topp functions, they are accessed by clicking on a link in a PC-Topp.NET page. Because the foundation of those classical components goes back many years, they form a solid groundwork for PC-Topp. They offer the same efficient user interface as the original DOS application, making the transition easy for users with a long experience with PC-Topp. And because these modules have been proven for years, they are the basis for the high reliability that the application has maintained throughout the migration process. However, PC-Topp.NET is DOS-free now: The classical programs have been converted to real Windows programs that make use internally of the full Windows API. They support mouse operation, and impose no special rules on the users.

At a Glance

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PC-Topp.NET Is a Web Server Based Application High performance, full user flexibility: Use PC-Topp in LANs, WANs and even via Internet. No Local PC-Topp Installation on Most Client PCs Only workstations with full planning functionality require locally installed classical programs. Custom-Tailored Access to PC-Topp.NET Each user gets the functionality he needs, in his own environment, on any PC. PC-Topp.NET Is DOS-Free The classical character mode modules are real Windows programs now.